Madison Living Magazine, January 2022

MADISON LIVING THE GUIDE • AROUND TOWN • CHAMBER CONNECTIONS • OUT & ABOUT • SCHOOLS

January 2022 / $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

Our annual

Weddings issue

Tips on how to find the perfect wedding dress Beautiful Madison downtown proposal The “Carline Crew” at Columbia Elementary

Madison Living 1

The perfect union of Style and Comfort

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MADISON CONTRIBUTORS MADISON Gregg Parker LIVING LIVING Bob Labbe

EDITORIAL Richard George EDITOR Rebekah Martin Joshua Berry JohnJames Few Alison Erin Coggins John Few Lee Marshall CONTRIBUTORS Mayor Paul Finley Bob Labbe CONTRIBUTORS MaryGregg LynneParker Wright Parker MaryGregg Anne Swanstrom Erin Coggins Bob Labbe Joshua Berry Richard George William Aycock MARKETING Joshua Berry Lee Marshall Donna Counts Erin Coggins John Peck Lee Marshall Mary Lynne Wright ADMINISTRATIVE Mayor Paul Finley Richard George Sierra Jackson Mayor PaulWright Finley Mary Lynne French Salter Mary Anne Swanstrom MARKETING ••• Donna Counts MARKETING

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by Madison Publications, LLC 4 Madison Living

4 Madison Living

and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika before landing in north Alabama. She loves sharing the stories – and correcting the grammar of those stories – of the people and places that make north Alabama such a special place.

...

CONTRIBUTORS John Few, Editor Alison James, copy editor

John Few hasearned been in thebachelor’s field of newspaper journalism at and production for over 25 Alison James her degree in journalism Auburn University, years. Johninhas served staffher writer, editor and publisher for a variety of publications graduating 2012.

She as began career in community journalism in Alexander City in Alabama and Mississippi.

He was transferred 2009 toinbegin coverage of loves and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika beforeinlanding northhis Alabama.

She Madison. covering thecorrecting City of Madison the past 10 years, John onplaces sharing theIn stories – and the grammar of those stories – ofhas the reported people and several key events, such as construction of the Hogan Family YMCA and James that make north Alabama such a special place.

Clemens High School. Over the years, as Madison has grown, John has been there to cover the news that has made Madison home. Together John and his wife, Lori, have seven children, ranging from 15-23 years old.

John Few, contributing writer Bob Labbe, contributing writer

Bob Labbe is abeen lifelong resident the Huntsville community.

He has beenfor innearly the local John Few has in the field ofofnewspaper journalism and production 25 news media for served 48 years, journalistTimes, in television, radio and print years.

John has as a multi-award-winning staff writer for The Demopolis the daily newspaper media. is a member of thefor Huntsville-Madison County HallGazette. of FameHe and has in West He Alabama, and editor the weekly newspaper theAthletic Black Belt was been nominated for to both the his Alabama Press Association Alabama of transferred in 2009 begin coverage of Madison.

Inand covering the Music City ofhalls Madison fame.

Bob hosted radio program, The Years,such for 29 on WLRH-FM the past 10 has years, Johna has reported onReelin’ severalinkey events, asyears construction of the Public Family Radio. He has also a local highHigh school basketball for 28 years andhas was Hogan YMCA and been James Clemens School.

Overreferee the years, as Madison a high school football 15 years.

Bob is anhas avidmade sportsMadison fan and home. collector of 45 grown, John has been referee there tofor cover the news that Together rpm records.

He once boxed Ali and was from the reporter who asked John and his wife, Lori, haveMuhammad seven children, ranging 15-23 years old. the famed Paul Bear Bryant his last question as coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Gregg Parker, contributing writer Bob Labbe, contributing writer

A graduate Mississippi State Gregg Parker relocated to Madison with Bob Labbe isof a lifelong resident ofUniversity, the Huntsville community.

He has been in the local Intergraph Corporation 1990 with wife Brenda and son For radio 15 years news media for 48 years, ainmulti-award-winning journalist in Andy. television, andGregg print wrote for Spirit” “Limestone Spirit” sections in “The Times.” media.

He “Madison is a member of theand Huntsville-Madison County Athletic HallHuntsville of Fame and has His articles havefor been in numerous chamber of Alabama commerce publications, been nominated bothpublished the Alabama Press Association and Music halls of “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Gregg considers a privilege to fame.

Bob has hosted a radio program, Reelin’ inWater.”

The Years, for 29 years onitWLRH-FM document Madison’s coming age high in hisschool hundreds of articles forfor “The Madison Public Radio.

He has also been aoflocal basketball referee 28 years and was andfootball “Madison Living” magazine.

Gregg spoiling his collector rescue dachshund, aRecord” high school referee for 15 years. Bob is an enjoys avid sports fan and of 45 rpm Francis He Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netfl series;and andwife records. once boxed Muhammad Ali and was theix reporter whovisiting asked Andy the famed Paul Saadia, bothhis physicians, in Nashville, Bear Bryant last question as coach ofTenn. the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Erin Coggins, Gregg Parker, contributing contributing writer

AErin graduate of is Mississippi University, Gregg Madison High with Coggins a scholasticState journalism adviser andParker historyrelocated teacher attoSparkman Intergraph in 1990 withand wifepublic Brenda and son Andy. ForHer 15 years Gregg School. SheCorporation is also a freelance writer relations consultant. writing muse is wrote “Madison Spirit” and “Limestone “The Huntsville Times.”

Worldfor War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle,Spirit” whom sections she fell ininlove with while a student His articles have been published in numerous chamberErin of commerce publications, studying communications at the University of Alabama. and her husband Jamie “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Water.” Gregg considers it a privilege reside in Madison. to document Madison’s coming of age in his hundreds of articles for “The Madison Record” and “Madison Living” magazine. Gregg enjoys spoiling his rescue dachshund, Francis Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netflix series; and visiting Andy and wife Saadia, both physicians, in Nashville, Tenn.

Erin Coggins, writer Joshua Berry, contributing photographer

Erin Coggins a scholastic journalism adviser and teacher at Sparkman High Joshua Berryishas a degree in biology and works fullhistory time as an aquatic instructor for the School.

She is also aHe freelance writer public relations consultant.

Herdistances. writing muse is City of Huntsville. is also an avidand runner, ranging from short to long When World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle, whom he sheenjoys fell in trying love with while a the student he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, to capture perfect studying theowner University of Alabama.

Erin andhis heradvice husband Jamie momentcommunications on his camera. Asatthe of Everlong Photography, for beautiful reside in Madison. pictures is that nothing looks better than being confi dent in oneself.

Joshua Berry, photographer Joshua Berry has a degree in biology and works full time as an aquatic instructor for the City of Huntsville. He is also an avid runner, ranging from short to long distances. When he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, he enjoys trying to capture the perfect moment on his camera. As the owner of Everlong Photography, his advice for beautiful pictures is that nothing looks better than being confident in oneself.

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Madison Living 5

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21 WEDDINGS IN 2021 A look at some of the weddings last year and special memories from the brides

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43 PICKING OUT THE RIGHT WEDDING DRESS Stephanie Whitson of La Mariee Bridal Salon shares some tips for planning the big day

59 MADISON CHAMBER 66 LOOKING AHEAD The Madison Chamber has a lot to get excited about in 2022

IN EVERY ISSUE

7 The Guide 17 Shopping 50 Around Town 57 Madison City Schools 65 Madison Hospital 68 Out & About

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59 THE CARLINE CREW This popular activity has fast become a tradition at Columbia Elementary School that students and parents love

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THE GUIDE

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THE GUIDE

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THE GUIDE

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Madison Living 17

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WEDDINGS of 2021

Welcome to our special wedding issue

D

Dreaming of the perfect wedding has filled the mind of many as they mature from children into adulthood. Planning for that special day with that special someone has inspired countless daydreams of every beautiful scenario... then that day arrives. It is a special time for the loving couple and their family and friends.

The two years have no doubt has been a challenging time for couples planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pan-

demic, faced with the uncertainty of whether or not they will have to amend their wedding plans for safety reasons.

The couples on the next few pages found very memorable ways to unite their love in matrimony, some while adjusting to the demands for safety.

We welcome you to our special wedding issue while we take a look at their special day. We will also take a look at some tips and ideas in planning a wedding in 2022.

Madison Living 21

& Riley Brazell CJ

May 21, 2021

HOW WE MET CJ and I met in college at a Greek life function that my friend begged me to go to. He showed up late that night, so I noticed when he walked in but in his words I made “googly eyes” at him, so he HAD to come talk to me. Before I left, he gave me his number and we have talked every day since.

HOW WE FELL IN LOVE I can’t remember there being one moment that caused us to fall in love. It was more like a cumulation of all these small moments where I would fall harder and harder. It was the way he would leave ice cream at my door when he knew I had had a hard day and when he brought my favorite Italian food up to the classroom when I was working late on a final. It was also the way he handled me as a person. He knew how to comfort me, make me laugh, and shoot straight with me on the things I

22 Madison Living

needed to hear. He has always been a constant, and as I learned to trust him, I began to fall in love and knew I could not live without him.

THE PROPOSAL About a year and a half into our relationship, we both knew the next step was marriage. CJ asked me how much time I would need to plan a wedding because we were trying to time our wedding perfectly with his graduation and our moving plans. After about another six months, he was ready to propose. He told me that his fraternity was having a big picnic in the park with dates one Sunday afternoon. He even came over and picked out what he wanted me to wear. That Sunday, we went to the park with one of his friends in tow. Upon arrival, I refused to get out of the car because no one else was there and I did not want to be the first people arriving all dressed up in front of all the park

goers in their Enos with shorts and t-shirts on. He insisted I get out and that we take some pictures by the water while we waited for everyone else to get there. We took a couple pictures, and as I turned to hold his hand to walk away, he dropped down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Obviously I said yes, and there was never any picnic.

FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENT? My favorite wedding moment was my dance with my dad. We choreographed a dance together and learned it in two weeks! My dad loves to entertain, so he really got into the dance. At the very beginning he surprised me by throwing off his jacket and throwing on some sunglasses. It was just a whole lot of fun, and spending that extra time together preparing for it was really special.

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Madison Living 23

BRIDAL EVENT

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24 Madison Living

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Dalquist

Madison Living 25

HOW WE MET The year was 2014, and it was my senior year in high school. My best friend and I were talking at the lockers when I noticed this bashful underclassman named Dalquist approaching us. He was my younger brother’s classmate, so we rarely ever crossed paths. “Hey, can I have your keys?” I was appalled by the request. This tall, nerdy looking guy, who is two years younger than me, has requested the keys to my first vehicle. We had never spoken, not even a wave, and our first interaction ever this guy asks for my keys. Of course, being a naive person, not realizing this was his way of flirting, I replied to his question with another question. “Do you even have your permit?” Flustered, he began to mumble.

These interactions continued until I graduated. We would speak here and there but nothing really beyond a simple “hello” or “how are you?” Then finally, a mutual friend let me know how Dalquist felt, and insisted I gave him a chance.

We went on our first date on Valentine’s Day. The night was full of laughter, we talked and talked, and for the first time in a really long time I felt comfortable. We’ve been inseparable ever since.

HOW WE FELL IN LOVE At a young age I always prayed that my partner would be my best friend, and before I knew it that’s what happened. It started off with long conversations that neither of us wanted to end. We helped each other embrace things we would nor-

26 Madison Living

mally try to hide. We also chose to tell each other the truth no matter what. We were able to be our complete awkward selves with no judgment. I realized that he brought me peace and comfort, and that he was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. He became not only my boyfriend at the time, but also my closest friend.

THE PROPOSAL Dalquist knows I do not like surprises because I’m an emotional wreck and easy to cry if it touches my heart. He prepared me for it by asking my mother for my hand in marriage first before an actual proposal, but it made me super anxious. Being the anxious person I am, I started asking a lot of questions. “Wouldn’t it be romantic if...” “Have you thought about...” “How do you feel about…” Trying my best to get a hint about when or where a proposal might happen. Dalquist, despite my protest, withheld the surprise until he was ready.

August 7, 2020, six days after my birthday I had given up, thinking it would be a year or so before he pops the question. I laid down for my daily nap, just completely letting the thought of getting engaged soon fade from my head. I woke up to Dalquist tapping my shoulder, and on one knee. Immediately I burst into happy tears. I answered before he even could ask. It was a wonderful surprise and I’m thankful that he did it in a more private setting because of the ugly cry no one was able to take pictures of.

FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENT “You may now kiss your bride!” After all the cake tasting, gown shopping, looking at flower decorations, and asking my pastor to officiate. I had forgotten that I had to kiss my husband to be in front of God, family and friends!

Hearing those words, I realized I had to think quick and think fast. I tried my best to dodge his wet lips from touching mine by lending a cheek instead. Mission failed, Dalquist pulled me in and planted his sweaty lips on mine.

I was so tickled, but extremely thrilled that my best friend was also my spouse.

MEET THE TEAM: Venue: The Witt House Officiant: Pastor Otis Christopher Neloms Photographer: EJ the Director Dress: La Mariee Bridal Salon

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Madison Living 27

Seth &Kayla

Thornton May 22, 2021

28 Madison Living

HOW WE MET We have grown up going to the same school since preschool.

We were always aware that each other existed, but the true friendship that would lead to marriage did not begin until freshman year of high school.

HOW WE FELL IN LOVE We were in the same friend group for years and truly had a friendship like no other. I never saw us being anything more than best friends until we were asked to go on a double date with some friends. In June after our sophomore year of high school, Seth asked me to be his girlfriend and we have been inseparable since.

We continued to graduate high school together as well as attend college at The University of North Alabama together.

THE PROPOSAL We have always been huge beach bums and knew that we wanted to get engaged or married at the beach. One random Sunday in July, Seth said “do you want to go to the beach today?”. Of course, I could not pass up the spontaneous opportunity! It wasn’t until we arrived that I had a feeling this would be the trip he would propose. We woke up the next day ready to hit the sand when Seth said, “My mom wants us to take pictures on the beach tonight!”. I instantly had a feeling that that would be the day my best friend and boyfriend of seven years would ask me to be his wife. We both had so many excited nerves all day long. When it came time for pictures, I had no doubt that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Seth. Sure enough, Seth proposed during our pictures on the beach that night.

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FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENT? After the hustle and bustle of getting ready for our wedding day as well as the ceremony, Seth and I took a moment to eat by ourselves before the rest of our night began, the reception. It was great to get away for a few moments before we were caught up socializing with friends and family the rest of the night. We could also look out of the window and see the crowd that had gathered to celebrate us as husband and wife. This moment was so special to us because we could take a breath and soak in the fact that we were finally Mr. and Mrs. Thornton!

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30 Madison Living

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32 Madison Living

& Farrow

Seth

Breanna

May 8, 2021

HOW WE MET The day I met my husband was Saturday, September 1, 2018.

My mom and I were getting ready to go to an Alabama football party for the first game of the year. My mom encouraged me dress up more than usual. She knew there was a chance that Seth might be at this party because she met him a year earlier and had wanted us to meet. At the time, I didn’t understand why she wanted me to “get cute”, but doing what she said, I put a little more effort into my outfit and makeup.

It was the first game of the season and my parents had been going to their friend’s house for almost 10 years to watch Alabama football together. We knew most people there and almost immediately my mom got started catching up with friends, including Seth’s mom, Sebrina.

Sebrina, my now mother-in-law, asked if I had a boyfriend, and I said no not thinking anything about it. She called Seth, who was watching the game at their house down the street and asked him to come down to where we were at. He thought he was trouble, walked in and went to stand by his mom, and few minutes later we made eye contact. I had no idea that this good-looking guy was my future husband! We connected immediately and I honestly couldn’t tell you anything about that football game. He asked me out to go axe throwing with the cutest stutter. Then we met up the next night at some neighbors for dinner and fireworks as we continued to get to know each other. We have been together ever since!

HOW WE FELL IN LOVE Loving Seth and falling for him was easy, he was a perfect gentleman and very sweet. We spent most of our early time dating around our families, and the interaction between everyone was so natural and easy. I knew quickly that I was falling in love with him. And he fell quickly too while attending family weddings, outings, and dinners with both our crazy families!

THE PROPOSAL After being together for five months we stopped by a jeweler at the mall, and he asked me what kind of rings I liked. I tried on a few so he could see what kind I liked. I didn’t hear another thing about rings or getting engaged for quite a while. Seth originally had wanted to ask me to marry him on his family beach vacation in September 2019. However, he wanted to include

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both sets of parents, and decided on the August 31, 2019, the first Alabama game of the football season he would propose at the end of the game. I was getting ready to take a nap when he asked me to stand up and he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Obviously, I said yes, but I was totally nervous and totally didn’t expect it that day. All our parents were there and were exited for us!

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34 Madison Living

FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENT It’s so hard to pick my favorite moment from that long and crazy day. Because of Covid-19, we decided to get married at a private home on the beach with help from our friends and family, so we didn’t have to worry about things being cancelled. I couldn’t decide but I was able to narrow it down it down to two special moments. The first one was my first look with my husband. He and his parents were waiting on the public beach for me and my parents. I’ll never forgot the look on his face when he turned around and saw me in my dress! He bawled his eyes out and told me how gorgeous I was and how lucky he was to call me his wife. My second favorite moment of the wedding was after the ceremony was over and we were almost done with our pictures. Our photographer told us to take a moment to be together by ourselves and enjoy the moment before the crazy starts up again. This were some of my favorite photos the photographer took.

MEET THE TEAM: Venue: Private home in Gulf Shores, AL Photographer: Beach Bride Weddings Dress: La Mariee Bridal, Huntsville AL Hair and Make Up: Kiana Maldonado Flowers: Beth Woody Florals, Huntsville AL and Dawn Speegle Catering: Gerald Farrow and other family Wedding Cake: Cream and Crumb Bakery, Huntsville AL Grooms Cake: Batter Up Cake Bakery, Huntsville AL

By Appointment 256-772-8938 madisontownandcountrybridal.com

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36 Madison Living

& Tyler Chaffee

Savannah

November 6, 2021 HOW WE MET In 2012, we were both freshmen in college-I was at Auburn and Tyler was at Huntingdon College in Montgomery.

I had recently reconnected with a friend from childhood and she was dating someone at Huntingdon, who just happened to be Tyler’s roommate. They came to visit us one weekend at Auburn, and the rest is, as they say- history! We went on our first date a week after meeting. Tyler is from Greenville, SC and I’m from Madison so with Tyler being so far from home, he started spending lots of time with my family. Tyler played on the Huntingdon tennis team so we spent time traveling to watch him play. My parents often joke that they adopted him nine years ago because he has been on nearly every family vacation since then!

HOW DID WE FALL IN LOVE? Meeting each other truly felt like it was just meant to be.

We had so much in common, yet we were complete opposites in so many ways. We balance each other out, and complement each other well. However, our relationship with each other’s family had a major impact on us. Tyler has one brother, I have one sister. We spent lots of time with my sister, Merrill who was attending Troy University, and we traveled with his brother Stephen and his fiancée (at that time) Corrine when possible. Family is important to us, most all of our free time and vacations are spent with our two families; from a trip to Turks and Caicos when we had to be emergently evacuated due to a hurricane, to cruises, to Auburn bowl games, and lots of time at Smith Lake.

PROPOSAL In 2016, Tyler surprised me with a weekend away to Amelia Island, Florida. It was our first vacation, just the two of us, and we had a wonderful time on the beach, exploring the history of the island by bicycle, and discovering great restaurants. In 2020, we decided to take my family to Amelia Island, as they had never been there. One night while walking to dinner we stopped in front of The Hoyt House, a quaint bed and breakfast where we had stayed in 2016, and Tyler stopped to show my family the beautiful Victorian home, and then proposed! His family was across the street the entire time. It was incredibly special to have our families there with us to celebrate that special moment.

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FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENT Our favorite moment was really the entire event, getting to see family and friends that we haven’t seen in so long because of Covid, and because they live all over the US. The ‘moment’ however was seeing each other for the first time on our day; after dating for nine years, it was still a moment we will never forget, when everything stood still, and it was just the two of us.

Our original wedding was planned at Dalhousie Castle in Scotland, and after a year of planning we made the difficult decision to cancel those plans and move the wedding here. My mother found a wonderful wedding planner, and in three very short months we planned our day. It felt like the stars lined up for us because all of our favorite vendors were available. We are blessed to have a special family member who allowed us to have the ceremony and reception at their home, and it could not have been more perfect. The weather was incredible, our closest family and friends were in attendance, and while we could not invite everyone that we wanted to due to concerns over Covid, the night was perfect to us. We are so thankful to our parents, family and friends for making the entire weekend so special.

MEET THE TEAM: Venue: Private Home in historic Twickenham Photographers: Eric and Jamie Photography; Birmingham, AL Videographers: AVO Dress: Robert Bullock Designs; Kathleen’s in Madison Hair: Terrame’ Makeup: Terrame’ Flowers: In Bloom Catering: Bubba’s Silver Spoon Catering Cake: Betty Beason, Fayetteville Rehearsal Dinner: Davidson Center Wedding Planner: Faith Woods Events Invitations: Salt & Paperie

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&Heather Galloway

Heath

May 16, 2021

HOW WE MET In November of 2020 I found myself sick with COVID-19 and while in quarantine decided to sign back on to match.com for one more month. To my surprise I had a message from Heath from October. In September, I liked a picture he posted but had not heard from him. He was taking a break from match.com at that time. I remember thinking how sweet his profile was and how much God and his family were very important to him. I debated whether to message him because two months had gone by; I figured he was already taken. I decided to give it a chance. I am so glad I did! We hit it off right away. He truly was an encouragement to me during my healing process from COVID. We spoke on the phone daily for almost a month before we had our first date on December 19, 2020. We went to Bravo for dinner then to the Galaxy of Lights at the Botanical Garden.

I knew immediately I wanted this man in my life. I had been praying for a Godly man like him for so many years and I didn’t want to let him go. Come to find out his family had also been praying for a Godly wife for Heath. After being together for a few weeks we could see Gods’ hand in it all. Not only did God place this amazing man in my life, but also his wonderful daughter, Nyla.

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THE PROPOSAL Heath has a love for God’s little creatures, his birds. He took me and his daughter up to Monte Sano Park on January 31, 2021 for my first birding adventure. It was the coldest, windiest day we had in a while. All the birds were seeking refuge. That didn’t bother us. We kept on, then we came to one of the look-outs behind the lodge. I am terrified of heights so Heath took my hand to look over.

I was very hesitant to get close to the edge. Once we got there Heath had a little code word he said to his daughter so she could take pictures. He got down on one knee. I started to cry. I was so shocked and overwhelmed with love and joy for this man that not only did he want me to be his wife and partner but also a step-mom to his teenage daughter. After he proposed I saw something soaring over us. Keep in mind we hadn’t seen a bird all day. It was a beautiful red tailed hawk. Heath grabbed his binoculars to see it closer. I thought that it was God giving us a smile from Heaven. Every time we see a red tailed hawk we remember all of God’s blessings that brought us together. I am so thankful and grateful that I waited for God’s best. I truly couldn’t have chosen a better man to be my partner in life. God is faithful to his promises!

FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENT It’s hard to pick just one. I loved little moments all along the way. We made and designed our unity cross together; Heath’s brother-in-law, Rev. Harvey Beck, officiated; and my childhood pastor, Rev. Carol Simon, spoke and declared blessings over us as a family. I recorded a song to play for our first dance and I sang it to him (Heath’s favorite moment). Because of my love for baking, I decided to make our wedding cakes and two of my friends, Victoria and Kim, decorated them. As a treat for our guests to take home, I made my original recipe creation, HeatherBars. I love that all of our friends and family were there who had stood in prayer with each of us for many, many years for God’s perfect timing for us. It’s amazing how we saw God in every step, and continue to see Him guiding us in every day life. I married my best friend May 16, 2021, I couldn’t imagine my life with anyone else!

MEET THE TEAM: Venue: Whistle Hollow, Ardmore, TN Photographer: Danielle McCann Dress: La Maria Bridal Hair: Stacey Wilson, Shear Artistry Hair & Body Centre Makeup: Chicka Yamasaki, Shear Artistry Hair & Body Centre Flowers: Michelle - Whistle Hollow Catering: Endless Catering Cakes: Heather Hunter (Bride); Decorated by Batter Up Cake Bakery

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Home loans that fit you to a

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42 Madison Living

WEDDING PLANNING

DRESS SHOPPING

Picking out the right wedding dress does not need to be stressful STORY BY JOHN FEW PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 43

La Mariée Bridal is a bridal and formal wear boutique located in Huntsville (see their ad on page 20). This mother-and-daughter team of Stephanie Whitson (right) and Lorraine Buckner are passionate about providing beautiful, stylish, bridal gowns to suit any taste. The salon at La Mariée Bridal is designed to help the process of picking out the right dress be an enjoyable experience.

I

If you’re a newly engaged woman, you know how stressful the planning can be. The hustle and bustle leading up to the big day and all the little details can add up to create one massive headache that threatens to overshadow the bliss you envisioned feeling. However, you don’t have to sweat the planning—Stephanie Whitson of La Mariée Bridal has a few suggestions to help you strategize seamlessly.

La Mariée Bridal is a bridal and formal wear salon located in Huntsville. Stephanie and Lorraine Buckner have created a dynamic mother-and-daughter team that is passionate about providing an array of beautiful, stylish, bridal gowns to suit any taste. They combine their highquality dress selection with professional and knowledgeable service to create a wedding dress shopping experience that exceeds expectations.

When pick out the right dress, Stephanie advises that brides start early. “You cannot get your dress too early,” she said. “In this industry, shipping delays can turn into a nightmare for a bride. The earlier you order your gown the less stress you will have.”

Stephanie also said to limit the number of people you bring to your appointment. “Two guests are perfect. Mom,

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Madison Living 45

dad and a friend that will give honest advice,” she advised.

“Having a lot there tends to make the bride stressed and confused about what she likes.”

When picking out the right dress, Stephanie says to keep an open mind and try on different styles. “You’ll be surprised by what you think you didn’t want.”

To help everything come together on trhat special day,

Stephanie also encourages brides to add a wedding coordinator to your budget. “He or she will make everything come together exactly how you imagined allowing you to enjoy the day and take in all the memories.”

For more tips and information from Stephanie, you can check her website out at www.lamarieebridalsalon.com or call (256) 836-7227.

Doing more than expected.

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46 Madison Living

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Make healthy habits a part of wedding prep A few easy ways to stay mentally and physically fit in advance of a happy wedding day

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• Slow down and relax. Those who go full-throttle with After the big question is popped and loving partners decide to spend their lives together as a married couple, a all of their responsibilities - including wedding planning whirlwind of activity will ensue. Although wedding planning may burn out. Stress can weaken the immune system and is exciting, some couples may feel overwhelmed with all the make people vulnerable to illness. Schedule some time for decisions that need to be made before they can tie the knot. date nights with your fiancé, and don’t overlook the benefits In this state of increased pressure, stress may build and of hanging out with friends and getting away from wedding health could falter. According to a Cornell University study, planning for a bit.

• Eat body-boosting foods. The foods we eat can impact more than 70 percent of brides-to-be have weight loss on the brain, but shedding pounds shouldn’t be the only health fac- everything from energy levels to skin radiance. Foods like tor to consider. Here are some easy ways to stay mentally berries, sweet potatoes, broccoli, greens, green tea, and dark chocolate all contain antioxidants that boost the immune and physically fit in advance of a happy wedding day.

• Get daily exercise. Exercise is important for maintaining system, states The Food Network. Avoid drastic diets that a healthy body weight and keeping stress levels in check. Ex- can do more harm than good. Simply cutting 500 calories ercise also can boost mood. The Department of Health and a day can help the average person lose a pound per week Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes of if weight loss is a goal. Simple ways to trim calories are to moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic choose skim milk over whole milk and choose low-calorie activity each week. Strength training exercises performed at snacks.

Feeling and looking one’s best starts long before the wedleast twice a week complete a well-balanced exercise regimen (check out the YMCA’s ad on page 75 for help with this ding day. By making health a priority, couples can start their new lives together on healthy footing. goal).

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SURPRISE PROPOSAL IN DOWNTOWN MADISON - Madison’s historic downtown made the perfect setting for a surprise engagement recently.

Warren McDaniel decided to pop the question to his girlfriend at thee gazebo in the village green. In a scene that looked like it could come straight out of movie, Warren got down on one knee to ask Kait Hill to be his wife. She said yes! The proposal was witnessed by their family and friends, who had been watching out of sight from Main Street Cafe. They then all celebrated the joyous news with a reception. The couple has set their wedding date to be October 22, 2022. Here are some photos from the proposal by Erin Smith.

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Warren and Kait with the bride’s parents - Michael and Rhonda Hill, the groom’s parents - Giles and Deborah McDaniel, and Warren’s niece 3-year-old Juliette Sheets.

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....................... AROUND TOWN .......................

...

Lee Marshall

Founder / CEO Kids to Love Foundation

50 Madison Living

A

A new year always brings renewed energy and I am excited for it!

2022 will allow Kids to Love to serve in a way we never have before, and that is through our Child Placing Agency. Soon we will begin to license foster families, opening up new homes for children who are living in foster care. There are 6,000 children living in foster care and only around 2,000 foster homes available to care for them. We are committed to be part of

the solution.

This month, we are growing our foster parent training opportunities and will offer two classes. If you have ever considered becoming a foster parent, we invite you to join us to learn how you can change the life of a foster child.

It’s easy to sign up! Just visit our website kidstolove.org Every day is a chance to make a difference.

Let’s make 2022 one to remember!

SPORTS

KEEPING IN SHAPE

Father and son duo create the ultimate high-tech home training center in their Madison house STORY BY BOB LABBE PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

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F

For anyone whose desire is to be in better physical condition a home training center is a perfect setup for convenience and many times is the only way an enriched, indepth and structured training session will occur. For Victor Verhage (ver-Ha-guh) and his high school age son, Darren, having what is basically one of the most impressive hightech rooms full of fitness equipment throughout the immediate area in their home has paid dividends for all involved.

A multitude of the newest and most technical advanced training equipment is scattered across the first floor area of the Verhage’s home located in Madison. A 1,000-square foot area noted as “The Living Room” is dedicated to the 20 pieces of equipment worth an estimated $150,000. It’s there Victor bases his consulting side-business he calls Victor Vman LLC and trains an array of people and Darren continues his various training regimens in his quest to be a college football player after completing his high school years as a member of the James Clemens Jets squad.

Victor works fulltime as Vice President of sales and marketing for OMNI Fitness Channel with companies based in Orlando and Dallas-Fort Worth. His work concentrates on high-end boutiques of small training studios, which are not your average “open-area” gymnasiums.

“Virtual training programs are available as I have created a new opportunity for myself,” said Victor. “My training program is basically ‘work-plus-rest, equals success’ as I train any muscle movement a person needs and I keep adjusting the equipment to help the individual, which is the best way to keep from suffering injuries.”

For Darren, the 6-foot-2, 260-pound offensive and defensive lineman just completed his senior season at James Clemens and has yet to make a decision on where he would like to pursue a college education carrying a 3.9 grade point average and play collegiate football. Before he exits the newest high school in Madison he will venture out playing in some post-season All-Star Games after receiving invitations. The contests he was invited to participate in include games in Dallas, Los Angeles and Jacksonville, Fla. Just prior to the 2021 season and a few times during the recent campaign Darren had several of his teammates visit his home where each went through a battery of training exercise routines with the necessary equipment designed for each player by Victor. Darren said, “I’m sort of new to the sport of football as I have only been playing four years, but I have learned to execute at a high level and I feel I’m in good physical condition due to the training I have gone through

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54 Madison Living

here in my own home. This has been a rewarding setup at home.”

The setup Darren refers to is the use of the equipment which can be personalized for each person’s training and recovery. With the expertise Victor possesses and the high-tech machinery, there is no guessing or overtraining to the point where a person would become ill, injured or just want to quit. In other words, there is sports science to the max within how Victor works hand-in-hand with athletes.

Victor partook in most traditional sports as a young boy growing up in Mississippi and Tennessee and even took karate and boxing. After graduating high school in 1981, he joined the U.S. Marines where he served two years and an additional four years in the reserves. He began working in the fitness industry while living in numerous stops across the country like California, Tennessee and Arizona.

Living in Chicago, Victor was vice president of the XSport Fitness Club, which has 40 locations across the U.S. In 2019, Victor asked Darren if he wanted to move to Madison as Victor’s two twin brothers lived in the immediate area. Darren expressed he was super excited to make the move South after 16 years in the Windy City. While in Chicago, high-tech equipment companies had Victor test its newest equipment and formulate the necessary knowledge needed to oversee the fitness capabilities of each piece of new equipment.

Victor was recruited by a fitness company based in London where he designed facilities, stocked those gyms with the necessary equipment and handled national accounts. His consulting work created a new opportunity for him as after moving to Madison and establishing his current home, he pulled equipment out of storage and received new equipment from companies where he continued analyzing the training equipment and setting up times to help others with their training regimens.

“I always liked training and coaching others who were struggling and challenged in physical training,” said Victor. “I started in a gym, migrated to a more club atmosphere gym and began to serve and coach others. I love working with individuals who have that desire to be better.”

Darren added about “The Living Room” and its perfect setup for his needs. “This setup gives me options based on what I need to do as far as training is concerned. I hit the training regimen four to five days a week. When my teammates drop over we do the same as I train and coach them when needed.”

The training of muscle movement is more than just adding weight to a certain piece of fitness equipmenteverything is programmed. This is “sports science” at its best. “I evaluate every piece of equipment and its usage, evaluate each person I train as I collect data

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We work tirelessly to help kids get well because Hugh has a long list of stuff he wants to do.

WE DO WHAT WE DO

on each person,” said Victor. “The risks are low while the benefits are high. I’m very selective on who I train.”

Although he is not currently pursuing new clients due to his fulltime job requirements and his efforts to support Darren in his quest for football and college excellence, Victor has had numerous clients who have fared extremely well in their quest to be in better physical condition, which leads to a much better quality of life mentally. The two-level, 3,600 square-foot home is their perfect nest for more than just a home. The structure is “The Living Room” and serves as a place for growth, stability and success.

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56 Madison Living

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....................... Madison City Schools .......................

Dr. Susan Zinkil speaking at the Administrative Retreat this past July introducing herself to Madison City Schools employees.

Dr. Susan Zinkil

Meet the new director of Madison City Schools special education department

D

Dr. Susan Zinkil became the new director of the special education department (SPED) for Madison City Schools on July 1, 2021.

While new to Madison City, she’s definitely no newcomer to SPED. Dr. Zinkil was born in Selma to an Air Force Pilot and homemaker, who were both from Guntersville. She moved often but has always used Guntersville as her home base.

One of the places they were stationed was Goldsboro, N.C. when she was in middle school. The next-door neighbors there had a daughter with autism, Alice, who she babysat. After volunteering at the developmental center where Alice went to school, Dr. Zinkil realized her call-

ing. “I will be forever grateful for being able to help care for Alice and have the experience of working with her and her peers at her school. That experience helped me realize my passion for helping exceptional students and their families.”

After tours in Italy and Germany with her family, Dr. Zinkil returned to the States to attend Florida State University to earn her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Special Education. After beginning her teaching career in South Florida, she began working on her doctorate in Special Education and Leadership at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), all while working in Exceptional Student Education or Support and Leadership roles in the school district and at Florida Atlantic University. “Sup-

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Dr. Susan Zinkil with student, “Bo,” and SPED teacher Katrina Ellison during a recent visit to Columbia Elementary. porting exceptional students is my calling. I was fortunate to have varying opportunities to realize that calling in many different ways in school districts. I am also grateful for my short stint as an adjunct and administrator with FAU’s teacher prep program while finishing my doctorate. It gave me insight that would prove helpful when hiring and supporting new teachers.”

In 2004, Dr. Zinkil was hired by her former superintendent to work for Cherokee County schools in Georgia. Since this was closer to her Alabama roots, she jumped on the opportunity and within two years became SPED director. It was around that time that Dr. Zinkil’s son with special needs entered Kindergarten.

“My son was diagnosed with a form of autism so, initially, school was very difficult for him and definitely for me as the county’s Special Education director.” She feels this experience with her son helped her as an educator and school leader. “I had to meet with the principal and other staff about the difficulties he was having. It really helped me better understand where parents of our exceptional students are coming from and some of the struggles they experience.”

Dr. Zinkil went on to serve as a middle and high school principal in Cherokee County. Under her leadership, the school district and the schools where she served as principal received many accolades, including her being named Georgia’s Middle School Principal of the Year in 2016. Her advocacy work also is worth mentioning. Dr. Zinkil served on a board for a children’s center in Georgia which investigated childhood abuse and trained teachers and school staff to recognize childhood abuse. “At the time I served on the Anna Crawford Children’s Center Board, I was a middle school principal in our most affluent middle school. I remember walking in the center for a board meeting and running into one of my students. It was then that I realized that we all have a responsibility to recognize the signs of abuse because the child who passes you in the hall or is sitting in the front row of your classroom could be a victim of abuse.”

While serving as a principal, Dr. Zinkil has had one teacher and three students die of cancer. Around this time, she was introduced to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. She is passionate about its work to help cure childhood cancers and has been instrumental in raising money for St. Jude. Her

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schools and others where she worked were recognized for St. Jude fundraising efforts. “When I came on board in Madison in July, one of the first things I learned about the district was the connection with St. Jude. That just reaffirmed that my decision to come to Madison was the right choice because of the alignment of our values and advocacy for children who need us the most.”

Since July, Dr. Zinkil has taken steps to acclimate to the district as quickly as possible while meeting all the teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to help determine a great path forward for our students with exceptional needs. “It is an interesting time to come on board as the SPED Director especially in light of the teaching shortages. Special Education positions have always been hard to fill, but this year it is something like we have never experienced before. The district has had many open positions since the start of the school year.”

Dr. Zinkil recently announced some initiatives for the Special Education Department to address that and other needs in the district.

• Support staff through the teaching shortage crisis. Dr. Zinkil indicated that many of the district staff are finding themselves permanently working in classrooms to fill the open positions. Without this support, the work of the unfilled positions would fall on our current teachers. We need to avoid adding stress to their already difficult jobs.

• Connect with the parents of our Exceptional Students. “I want to build a positive relationship with all of our families through support, training, communication, and by celebrating the success of our students with them.

• Prepare for the opening of Journey Middle School and the Bob Jones wing. “What a great time to join the school district; at a time when we are opening two new facilities to support our Exceptional Students.” The new wing on Bob Jones High School will support students needing services on the east side who otherwise were limited to James Clemens High School across town. The new wing will have both high schools educating their own students.

• Train, train, and train some more. Dr. Zinkil and her team have been looking at student data, teacher surveys, and trends in special education to bring new training to staff of our exceptional students. “Over the past few years, professional development has taken a back seat due to COVID. We were learning so much instructionally and so quickly as we changed how we were educating students that there really wasn’t time for quality professional development. It is time to get back to quality professional development across the board.”

Dr. Zinkil and her husband Mike celebrated their 30th anniversary last June with a move to Madison. They have three children; 19-year-old twins, Michael and Emily; and son, Matthew, 24, who is getting married in April to his fiancé Lindsey. Michael is moving to Madison near the beginning of the year and Emily is in school in Seattle. Dr. Zinkil’s parents and brother live in Huntsville, so her plans are to stay until retirement from the award-winning Madison City Schools District.

SCHOOLS

THE CARLINE CREW

This popular activity has fast become a tradition at Columbia Elementary School that students and parents love STORY BY GREGG PARKER PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY KAREN JUMP

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Tyrannosaurus Rexes, giant microphones, rabbits with carrots, sunflowers and Brides of Frankenstein.

These get-ups are only a few costumes that the Columbia Carline wears to welcome students arriving/departing at Columbia Elementary School.

“I have been in full support of the carline crew at Columbia,” former principal Jamie Hill said. He started his new role as the principal at Discovery Middle School this month. “Carline teachers are very creative and have countless compliments from our school community.”

Dress-up started in 2019 with a Christmas tree costume, and the camaraderie has expanded greatly.

Hill’s role in this scenario was to supervise the building’s front for the walkers and school buses. “Our assistant principals and assigned teachers supervise the carline in the morning and afternoon as cars enter Balch Road at the campus’ south end,” Hill said.

For carline duty, teachers rotate every other week on a Week A and Week B schedule,” third-grade teacher Karen Jump said. However, on special days or holidays,

everyone happily wears a costume and joins the celebration, according to kindergarten teacher Alisha Courtney.

For afternoon carline, a teacher walks down the road and calls carline numbers. In the gym, another teacher records the numbers for a co-worker to call out and line up students in correct order. Other teachers monitor students in the gym and assist students entering cars.

The Columbia Carline masquerades for major holidays – a week of Halloween-themed costumes, 12 Days of Christmas and the last week of the schoolyear. Notso-notable days are hilarious, including dress-up for “Talk Like a Pirate Day,” weather forecasters and Gingerbread Week. “We also have music and props, large candy canes, bubble machines and large inflatable microphones,” Jump said.

“One year, we did “Frozen” on a super cold day in hopes we would get snow. It worked! We had snow the next day,” Courtney said. Courtney’s favorite costume is the Thanksgiving turkey.

Students laugh at bigger costumes, like inflatables,

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and get most excited for props, like the bubble gun. “Personally, any costume is fun to dress up. Students love seeing us make our way down to carline. Reactions of parents and students outside make every costume the best to me,” first-grade teacher Molly Hayne said.

Some students act embarrassed at singing and dancing teachers, “but we catch them singing and dancing right along with us,” Gaines said.

Parents also like the costumes. They often record or photograph the fun from their cars, or even sing and dance along to the rhythms. Parents’ involvement increases the fun factor for everyone, Hayne said.

When Courtney opens the costume closet or bin in her classroom, her students get excited. “When we post pictures to social media, I will hear from friends and family that love the costumes, too,” Courtney said.

Above any other conflict, the weather presents the major challenge. “We are like the postal service. From 100 degrees, to snow, to rain and storms, we still have carline!” Jump said.

During winter, teachers bundle up as securely as possible in oversized coats, gloves and hats. “The costumes come in handy during the winter time as they trap in some heat,” Hayne said.

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“Rainy days with lots of wind get you soaked,” Courtney said. She keeps a spare change of clothes, in case she gets drenched. Occasionally, a car will stall in the carline.

“Then, we are calling for kids and directing traffic around the stalled vehicle.

“Weather is definitely our biggest hurdle, but we’re pretty good at adapting and ‘going with the flow’ to make it happen,” Gaines said. “It’s all about the students. At the end of the day, we can handle 30 minutes outside, in less than desirable weather conditions so we can make them smile.”

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....................... MADISON HOSPITAL .......................

Madison Hospital’s new work-based learning program has been met with success

...

Mary Lynne Wright President Madison Hospital

I

It’s no secret that just about every service-oriented business is struggling with staffing issues – and that includes hospitals.

Fortunately, we’ve found a unique pool of qualified applicants with a fantastic work ethic right in our own backyard.

Our new work-based learning program offers 12-week internships to young adults enrolled in Madison City Schools’ special education program. The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and Phoenix Industries are also vital partners in the program.

The interns spend three hours

a day at our hospital learning about – and working in – our Food Services, Environmental Services and Landscaping departments under the watchful eye of a professional job coach from Madison City Schools.

We’ve been incredibly impressed with the interns. They show up on time, have a can-do attitude and are eager to learn new skills.

Even though the work-based learning program is still in its infancy, two interns have already landed part-time jobs with us. One is washing dishes in our Garden Café; the other is helping keep our hospital lobby and other public areas clean and sanitized. Service jobs like these are difficult to fill right now; we’re grateful for our interns who have stepped up to get the job done!

“The program is really filling a need for us,” says Madison Hospital Hospitality Director Kelly Hatley. “We’re finding great people who are really hard workers and want to be here.”

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The Madison Chamber of Commerce celebrated MCC Member Breland Homes’ groundbreaking ceremony in November to build custom homes for two Veteran heroes.

Celebrating the accomplishments of 2021 and looking ahead at 2022 with excitement

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The start of a new year is always so exciting! With this issue of Madison Living also being all about the start of new chapters in local Madison residents’ lives, with it being the wedding issue, it reminds me of the same excitement I have had in the past as a new entrepreneur starting a new business and getting my business license at city hall, feeling almost the same excitement as going to courthouse to get my marMichelle Epling the riage license.

Executive Director We had some incredible ribMadison Chamber bon cuttings in the month of Deof Commerce cember including watching our local high school students at the James Clemens high school branch to provide real world financial education to all the students at our local high school. This partnership with Redstone Federal Credit Union and Madison City Schools will provide life-changing financial advice for students for life.

We also had the ribbon cutting at the new Outback Steakhouse in Clifts Farm and Next Level Pack and Ship.

Standing next to these business owners as we cut the rib-

...

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bon to their new businesses reminds me of my wedding day and the possibilities of all the exciting opportunities that lie ahead!

As we wrap up the month of December, we are so thankful we were able to celebrate all the hardworking business owners with our first Madison Chamber holiday party at Main Street Cafe and launch the first of many “Madison Only Holiday Shopping Guide” in partnership with Rocket City Mom media group!

The Madison Chamber of Commerce is here to help all those new entrepreneurs as they start the new business journey. We are looking forward to sharing in 2022 real value in how we can help business owners no matter if they are just starting their business or celebrating the 100th anniversary of opening their doors! The number one reason you should join the Madison Chamber of Commerce is because of the opportunities for lifelong learning as a business owner. The key to being successful at any business is making the customer experience amazing and trusting the vendors you work with everyday! We are looking forward to continuing this foundation through networking and online training classes in 2022 to expand on these topics to help our businesses navigate through the “New Normal” of owning a business through Covid-19. You can join the Madison Chamber of Commerce at any time at www.madisonalchamber.com.

A grand opening and ribbon cutting was held for MCC member Outback Steakhouse in Town Madison

Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member Pamper Me Pretty Kids Spa

Grand opening ribbon cutting for the new James Clemens bank branch powered by Redstone Federal Credit Union

Shari Burnum, Chairman of the Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the winner of the Wassail Fest Contest

Ambassador and Madison Chamber board member, Carlos Mendoza attended the James Clemens ELL (English Language Learner) event.

Check out more events and services through the Madison Chamber of Commerce at www.madisonalchamber.com and follow them on Facebook

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MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOLIDAY PARTY - The Madison Chamber of Commerce was able to host their first Madison Chamber holiday party over the Christmas season with many hardworking members of the Chamber. Held at Main Street Cafe, it was sponsored by Investor’s Resource. Here are some fun photos from the event. Above is Michelle Epling, Alice Lessmann, Samantha Brinkley and Kristen Strickland under the ornament in downtown Madison.

The event was held at Main Street Cafe in Madison’s historic and very scenic downtown.

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Madison Mayor Paul Finley also attended.

Shari Burnum, Tammy Hall, Michelle Epling

Madison City Council members Maura Wroblewski, Ranae Bartlett and Connie Spears

Shari Burnum, Carlos Mendoza

LeJuan George and Joe Copp

Janine Nesin

Leanne Brigance, Kat Frisby and Belinda Thompson

Carly Fagan, Alyson Terry, Pamela Bass

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OUT&ABOUT

CHRISTMAS FUN - In the last week before the Christmas break last month, all the schools in Madison found assorted ways to spread the Christmas cheer before the end of the semester. Here are some of the many ways students and staff had fun last week before the break. Students at Mill Creek Elementary enjoyed the jolly man himself in the bus drop-off. Driver Tim Preeo greeted arriving students with fist bumps, hugs, and an occasional private word shared by an admirer. The kids seemed extra good today and not just because of Santa. Assistant principal Kiley Rikard and school staff member Kevin Long were there also assisting. Jolly St. “Nichols” also made the rounds in several Madison City schools, visiting classrooms with his “elf” helper and ringing in cheer for students and staff. Here, Santa drops in classrooms at Horizon Elementary. Incoming Principal Demetria Freeman had the opportunity earlier to introduce herself through a reading of “Santa’s New Suit,” which may have foreshadowed today’s Santa visit. Any resemblance to MCS Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols is strictly coincidence. In addition, The staff at Rainbow Elementary got into the holiday spirit recently by holding a snowman costume contest. The winning costume went to Dixie Paschal.

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CHRISTMAS CAPERS - An unusual tradition from Madison’s past made it’s third appearance in modern years. The city and historical society presented the third annual Madison Christmas Capers on ecember 12 in downtown Madison. Lifelong residents reprised the legend with ‘Doc’ Hughes tossing live chickens from his drug store’s roof to spectators below. The custom of Christmas Capers originated in 1925 when George Walton ‘Doc’ Hughes rented the Humphrey-Hughes property at 200 Main St. in downtown Madison. Doc Hughes opened his drug store business at that location, which he operated until 1972. During years of the Great Depression in the early 1930s, Hughes started a holiday tradition dubbed the “Christmas Chicken Capers,” according to “Madison Station, Historic Downtown Madison, 1856-2015” by Madison Station Historical Preservation Society. On Christmas Eve, ‘Doc’ Hughes threw live chickens from the roof of his business. The chickens had tags attached to their legs, and people could redeem the tags for prizes in Hughes’ store. Anyone who caught the chickens (sometimes turkeys, some people say) received the prizes and kept the chicken for Christmas dinner. In recent years, the Christmas Chicken Capers evolved from live chickens to rubber chickens with gift cards from local retail stores. On Sunday, Doc Hughes’ grandsons, Larry and Walt Anderson, re-enacted the legend by pitching rubber chickens with $3,000 worth of gift vouchers tied to their legs from Hughes Drug Store’s balcony. Rotary Club of Madison served free hot chocolate and cookies. The Madison City Community Orchestra entertained the crowd. Here are some fun photos of the event. Photos by John Few

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MADISON CHRISTMAS PARADE - After cancellation in 2020 because of COVID-19, the Madison Christmas Parade returned in full capacity on city streets this year on December 11. The theme for the 2021 parade was “The Magic of Christmas.” Organizers asked parade participants to decorate their float, truck or other vehicle to follow the theme. Judges rated the units during the lineup on Plaza Boulevard and while the parade was mobile, Christina Jimmerson Cox said. Cox works as Administrative Supervisor / Madison Assisted Ride System or MARS Coordinator for the City of Madison Parks & Recreation Department, which coordinated the parade. Winning parade units will receive their awards at an upcoming meeting of Madison City Council. Units in the parade ranged from children’s groups to churches and retail businesses. Photos by John Few

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